Loose Special

The Loose Special, also called the Townsend A-1 Special, the Loose-Siem Special and the Townsend Special is a small air racer developed for the Thompson Trophy races.[2]

Loose Special
Role Racing aircraft
National origin America
Designer Chet Loose[1]
Introduction 1933
Number built 1


Design

The Loose Special is a small single seat racer with conventional landing gear and a cable-braced mid-wing.[3] The engine was replaced with an 85 hp (63 kW) Continental to compete in the Formula One air races.[4]

Operational history

The Loose Special participated in 1933, 1935 and 1938 air races.[5] In the 1948 Goodyear Formula One Air Races pilot Earl Ortman placed fourth at a speed of 127.339 mph (205 km/h).[6]

Specifications (Loose Siem Special)

Data from Skyways, Flying

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 13 ft (4.0 m)
  • Wingspan: 19 ft (5.8 m)
  • Empty weight: 530 lb (240 kg)
  • Gross weight: 800 lb (363 kg)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed McCaulley

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 134 kn (154 mph, 248 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 70 kn (80 mph, 130 km/h)
  • Endurance: 3 hr
  • Rate of climb: 2,000 ft/min (10 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 11 lb/sq ft (54 kg/m2)

References
  1. "Loose Special". Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  2. "Clarance Ace Bragunier". Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  3. Skyways. October 2001. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. Flying Magazine. December 1947. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. "Thompson Faq" (PDF). Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  6. "Earl Ortman". Retrieved 17 November 2011.
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